After a stressful time that had somewhat drained my creativity and focus, I found myself behind on writing the first draft of next year’s book. (Don’t worry, this year’s novel, A Winter by the Sea (releasing December 2023) is written and edited and on its merry way through production. 😊)
Hoping to flee distractions and get back on track, I went on a solo writing getaway for a few days. I stayed in a mini Getaway House less than two hours from my home. The cute cabin had a comfy bed, small table, kitchenette, and a nice bathroom inside, and a fire ring and chairs outside. Best of all, what didn’t it have?
Wifi.
This meant I couldn’t get on the internet to check emails on my laptop or to get lost down who-knows-how-many research rabbit holes. Unfortunately, however, I could still use data on my phone to check something or peek at social media.
Inside the cabin was a wooden box marked Cellphone Lock Box: For a true escape, forget your phone inside. When I first saw it, I inwardly scoffed a bit, thinking it was gimmicky. I could just leave my phone out of reach somewhere, couldn’t I? But within two hours, I had gotten up for that phone more times then I care to admit! So into the box it went. I still checked it now and again when I paused for meals or coffee, but there really is some truth to the phrase, “out of sight, out of mind.”
The impulse to reach for the thing—to do something easier, take a break, look at something entertaining—showed me how unknowingly addicted I’d let myself become to the smart phone. We’ve all witnessed or heard about how technology has hindered young people’s ability to focus, but it has impacted this old(er) *cough, cough* person’s ability as well.
Whatever your work or passion in life, focus is crucial. I know some people can focus in a busy environment, but many writers (like me) need a quiet place to work with minimum distractions.
Here are a few famous examples: Gustav Mahler composed in a stone hut, requiring distraction-free silence. Maya Angelou kept a shabby hotel room and wrote there daily. Charles Dickens had an extra door installed to his study to block out noise. And Anne Rice said, “What you have to do is clear all distraction. That’s the bottom line.”
That solo getaway cleared the distractions for me and I wrote many thousands of words. Now that I’m home, I’ve trying to maintain at least some of that momentum. I’m leaving that all-too-tempting smart phone outside my office door, where I can hear it ring in case of emergencies, but not be tempted to check it every five minutes. I’m also back to using the Freedom app while writing, which allows you to limit your access to distracting (or all) websites for whatever period of time you choose.
What about you? Have you found yourself distracted by your phone or the internet or something else? What tricks or practices have you learned to stay focused?
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So glad you were able to get away, and yes! That all too handy distraction of the Internet! Ugh!
Wow, I am right there with you, Julie! SO easily distracted and not just by the Internet, which I have a love/hate relationship with. Your getaway sounds awesome!
This is so encouraging! Thank you for the tip about the Freedom app––you know I’m all about the freedom. I do need to be better about distractions. I’m praying for you through this new manuscript! xoxo
Love this post!
Leaving my house is my best option. If I can’t go to a hotel, etc., I go to a study room at the library.
God bless,
Carole